There is no denying that SQL is ubiquitous. Every company, whether small or big, uses SQL. We live in a digital age today, where data analytics plays a vital role in every aspect of the business.
Data analytics is only produced with massive databases, and SQL goes hand-in-hand with databases. You need SQL to access those databases. So SQL is used everywhere.
Learning SQL is much easier than you think, and the benefits far outweigh the time and cost investment. So whether you’re a recent graduate looking for your first job, or a professional looking to transition into data analytics, my list of the top ten SQL online courses can be helpful.
1. Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Duration: 16 hours
- Price: Free
- Provider: Coursera
Course highlights
If you’re new to the world of SQL or need a fresh start, this SQL course is an excellent option. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 and more than 106K people enrolments, it is definitely one of the best SQL courses to learn SQL online.
It is structured as four weekly modules that give you the fundamentals of SQL and database design. It also walks you through the installation of SQL and PHP. The critical topics of this course are:
- Database Design.
- Installing PHP and SQL.
- Many-To-Many relationships.
- Introduction to SQL (Structured Query Language).
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/intro-sql
Pros
- Free.
- Have a certificate.
- One of the best Coursera courses.
- The instructor’s teaching style is comprehensive.
Cons
- Some people think it’s too verbose
2. Introduction to SQL and Databases
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price: Free
- Provider: Dataquest
Course highlights
This interactive SQL course is ideal for beginners and will teach you how to code and do fundamental data science duties with SQL. That way, you will take the first solid steps to become a significant data professional.
You will learn how to write data queries and utilize clauses and statements. You will also gain a better understanding of the vital role of SQL in data science tasks. You can learn by writing code and gaining feedback in the browser.
Key skills:
- Use SQL syntax to perform analysis.
- Perform basic queries to extract data.
- Manipulate databases.
Enroll Here: https://www.dataquest.io/course/funds-sql-i/
Pros
- Free
- Short duration.
- Beginner Friendly
Cons
- Lack of in-depth knowledge.
3. Learn SQL
Specifications:
- Difficulty: (beginner, intermediate or advanced)
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Price: $13.99 a month for Pro Lite, $19.99 a month for Pro.
- Provider: Codecademy
Course highlights
Taking this course will allow you to understand how to communicate with relational databases via SQL. You will learn and practice with four projects.
In addition, you will earn a certificate of completion to share with employers.
You will learn:
- Learn how to use SQL to create, access, and update data stored in databases.
- Make more complex queries by learning the required keywords and query functions.
- Learn powerful functions to perform complex database operations with ease.
- Hone your SQL skills by creating and manipulating databases with multiple related tables.
Enroll Here: https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-sql
Pros
- Great value
- 7 days free trial.
- No prerequisites.
- Earn Certificate (with Pro plan).
Cons
- N/A
4. SQL: Learn SQL Database Queries and SQL Basics!
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Duration: 14 hours
- Price: Free; $75/year for a certificate.
- Provider: Skillshare
Course highlights
Through this SQL course, you will know how to write SQL queries in a short time. It is one of the best SQL classes, allowing you to explore query usages for real-world examples. Finally, you can use SQL queries for mission-critical tasks, including word processing, computing, and web development.
It is unnecessary to have any prior knowledge of SQL to join this course. So beginners who have difficulty writing and remembering SQL queries will benefit from this online SQL class.
Enroll Here: Currently Unavailable
Pros
- Try for free
- Easy to follow.
- Perfect for beginners
- The lessons are very clear.
Cons
- N/A
5. SQL for Data Science
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Duration: Approx. 14 hours
- Price: Try for free.
- Provider: Coursera
Course highlights
This course was made by the University of California and hosted on Coursera to give students fundamentals of SQL and to work with data, allowing them to begin analyzing it for many data science purposes.
It is ideal for beginners and doesn’t require any prior knowledge of SQL. It starts with the basics, and students will quickly write both simple and even complex SQL queries to pick data from the database.
You will learn:
- Kinds of data
- Filter and sort data
- Case statements
- SQL syntax & commands
- Operators, combinations & subqueries
- Math operators & aggregate functions
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sql-for-data-science
Pros
- Have a certificate.
- Great for beginners.
- The topics are delivered well
- Assignments are relevant for skill-building.
Cons
- Many people complain about typos and grammar mistakes.
6. Learn SQL
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate.
- Duration: 2 months.
- Price: $399 per month.
- Provider: Udacity.
Course highlights
If you prefer to become a data professional in database management (IT), data analytics (business), or data science, this SQL program is an excellent choice. It imparts the basic data working skills needed to find and use insights drawn from large data sets.
In this SQL program, you will not only need to master SQL but also learn how to harness the full power of relational databases, as well as be aware of other types of databases that exist and know when Which type you should choose.
Plus, you’ll work on real-world projects, run data pipelines, design tests, build recommendation systems, and more.
Enroll Here: https://www.udacity.com/course/learn-sql–nd072
Pros
- Good faculty members
- Good support team.
- A very structured learning process.
- Gain hands-on experience by industry experts.
Cons
- Pretty high price.
- Require a basic understanding of data types.
7. Learn SQL Basics for Data Science Specialization
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Beginner.
- Duration: About 4 months
- Price: 39$/month after 7 days free trial
- Provider: Coursera
Course highlights
This course is delivered as a part of the learn SQL Basics for Data Science Specialization program on Coursera. It’s developed to offer learners a foundation based on SQL and sourcing info from raw data as an inroad into data science.
You will learn how to ask the right questions, give answers, make simple or complex queries, and utilize SQL as a pro to construct data for targeted analysis.
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/learn-sql-basics-data-science
Pros
- 7 days trial.
- Provide a solid foundation.
- Graded Quizzes with Feedback.
- Graded Assignments with Peer Feedback.
- Earn a Certificate when you complete the course.
Cons
- Some learners complain about the teacher’s teaching.
8. Advanced SQL Queries in Oracle and SQL Server
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Intermediate.
- Duration: 4h 25m.
- Price: $19 per month after a 10-day trial
- Provider: Pluralsight
Course highlights
This advanced course will deliver an overview of advancements in the language that may have flown under your radar. It is instructed by statistician Scott Hecht, a skilled computer programmer, and is one of the best programs on Pluralsight.
This course will detail some additions to the standard SQL language and includes topics such as Analytic Functions, Extensions to GROUP BY, and more.
Instructor Scott Hecht specializes in SQL and SAS. If you are not familiar with Oracle and Oracle databases, it is wise to take this course beforehand.
Enroll Here: https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/adv-sql-queries-oracle-sql-server
Pros
- 10-day trial.
- Short duration.
- Skilled instructor.
- The course is well structured.
Cons
- Not beginner friendly.
9. Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL Specialization
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Beginner.
- Duration: 7 months.
- Price: $39 per month after the trial ends.
- Provider: Coursera.
Course highlights
It is a specialization program that provides foundational skills required for Data Science, including open-source tools and libraries, Statistical Analysis, Python, SQL, relational databases, and more.
This is a beginner-level program and has five courses. Throughout the program, you’ll work on hands-on projects by utilizing real-world data sets.
In this program, you will also learn about Relational Database concepts, such as Select statements, SQL, database functions, sorting and filtering, and accessing multiple tables.
Enroll Here: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/data-science-fundamentals-python-sql
Pros
- Shareable certificate.
- Financial aid is available.
- Great for value.
- Beginner-friendly.
Cons
- Long duration
10. Oracle® SQL Training
Specifications:
- Difficulty: Intermediate.
- Duration: 5 days.
- Price: $3,190.
- Provider: Learningtree
Course highlights
Through this Oracle SQL training course, you will learn about increasing the productivity, scalability, portability, performance, and security of the Oracle database.
You will also learn how to execute PL and SQL programs in Oracle, build stored procedures, design, execute modular applications, and increase the efficiency of data movement. They are all essential skills for Oracle developers.
Enroll Here: https://www.learningtree.com/courses/oracle-sql-training/
Pros
- Skilled instructor.
- In-depth knowledge
- After-course instructor coaching.
- End-of-course exam included.
Cons
- Pricey
Learning Guide
The following are factors that should be considered when choosing SQL courses.
Instructor
Instructors have a vital role in a course. So make sure your chosen course is led by a skilled one (You can know this through the reviews of previous learners).
Prices
Many courses are offered for free while others are delivered at a rather high price. The key is to make sure your chosen course is worth your money. Take advantage of the trial if possible.
How much time will it take to learn SQL?
Online courses are a great way to learn SQL and database management. However, don’t expect it to be something you can learn in one day.
Most experts say investing at least a couple of weeks into your training is ideal. That’s why online courses are so great. You will learn at your own pace, which is always good when learning something new.
FAQs
Is SQL Enough to Get a Job?
If you are trying to find work in the information field, it turns out that knowing SQL is much more crucial. SQL was again one of the most in-demand abilities for information expert functions, listed in 61% of work postings. For the data analyst function, SQL is undoubtedly similar to this: 1.7 x greater than Python.
Should I Study SQL or Python?
Suppose somebody wants to begin their profession as a programmer. In that case, they must start with SQL as it is a specific language and an understandable structure makes the development and coding process faster. On the other hand, Python is for skilled designers.
Can I Learn SQL in a Month?
It will undoubtedly take the average learner about a couple of weeks to master the essentials of SQL and begin dealing with SQL databases.
However, to start utilizing them successfully in real-world scenarios, you’ll require to become quite proficient, which requires time.
Do SQL Jobs Pay Well?
SQL designers, like many functions in the tech sector, have good earning capacity. In the USA, SQL developers can typically make a mean wage of $98,860, according to our latest report.
Final Thoughts
With the 10 great SQL courses we reviewed, our best recommendation is Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL) by Coursera. It’s beginner-friendly with the basics and provides a certificate when you’re done.
If you have any questions or feel like some great courses were missed, let us know in the comments below!